Rosalind Franklin is famous for which contribution to the study of DNA?

• A. Taking X-ray diffraction images of DNA
• B. Developing the double helix model
• C. Identifying the sugar-phosphate backbone
• D. Discovering the base pairing rules

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context: Rosalind Franklin was a scientist whose work significantly contributed to the understanding of DNA structure.
2. Identify the key technique: Franklin used X-ray diffraction, a method that involves directing X-rays at a crystallized sample and analyzing the pattern of the diffracted rays to infer the structure of the sample.
3. Recognize the significance: Her X-ray diffraction images, particularly Photo 51, provided critical evidence for the helical structure of DNA.
4. Connect to the options: While Franklin did not develop the double helix model herself, her images were crucial for Watson and Crick to propose the model. She also did not directly identify the sugar-phosphate backbone or discover base pairing rules.
5. Conclude with her contribution: Therefore, Rosalind Franklin is most famous for taking X-ray diffraction images of DNA, which were pivotal in understanding its structure.